Dear Editor,
Almost two years ago I had the honor and privilege of meeting Kara Winum, the remarkable widow of hero Officer Dominic “Nick” Winum. After hearing the heartbreaking story of how Officer Winum not lost his life, but rather gave it for his community, we thought this family and this hero needed to be celebrated.
Last July, I addressed the crowd at the Stanley Homecoming and spoke of the idea to build a playground, in honor of Nick Winum. I’m not sure many believed a firefighter from New Jersey, and his many volunteers across the country would be back to actually deliver on that promise.
With the help of many amazingly generous local people who knew and loved Nick Winum, we are about to deliver on that promise. With an incredible effort from Jersey Mike’s subs and their “month of giving”, I am happy to announce that on Wednesday, May 31, we will begin putting shovels in the ground, mixing cement and constructing the playground at Hawksbill Park. Volunteers from all across the country, and as far away as New York and Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina, and of course, New Jersey, will join Kara Winum and her family as we celebrate the life of a local hero.
We hope many of the local citizens, regardless of age or ability, will join us, in this labor of love. Most of our group are retired firefighters from New Jersey and around the country, but we would love to share this experience with our brothers in blue from law-enforcement, especially those in the greater Page County area.
We expect to work hard, and then play hard, and cut the ribbon for the children to play for generations. Please join us for the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3.
I hope many will join us and experience the joy and hope and healing that the Where Angels Play Foundation is privilege to be a part.
In a real way Officer Nick Winum, and his spirit, are very much alive in this community. This playground will ensure his legacy lives on. God bless the Winum family and may all the angels watch over this amazing community.
With respect, peace and love,
Bill Lavin ~ Founder of the Where Angels Play Foundation
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For more information on the Where Angels Play Foundation,
visit https://whereangelsplayfoundation.org/
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